10 Leadership Lessons from Martin Luther King, Jr.

photo credit: WilliamMarlow Martin Luther King Memorial at Night [EXPLORE] via photopin (license)

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Last year, I was able to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.  The memorial preserves the memory of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968):  visionary, faith leader and public intellectual, unwavering advocate of social justice, and martyr to peace, equality, and justice.

While there, I purchased and read Donald T. Phillips book Martin Luther King, Jr. On Leadership:  Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times (1998).  In his book, Phillips provides a variety of leadership stories and lessons for our reflection.

Today, as we honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, let’s take a look at 10 Leadership Lessons he provides us, as we shoot for the stars.

Three Lessons from the World’s First Management Consultant

Moses visited by his father-in-law, Jethro

In Exodus 18, Moses was overwhelmed by the problems associated with leading a large number of people.  As the NIV Leadership Bible points out, his father-in-law invented what has become a thriving profession:  Jethro was history’s first management consultant.  Jethro observed Moses in action and asked a question, “Why do you alone sit as judge while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” (from Exodus 18:14)

Then, Jethro said, “Listen now to me and I will give you some advice…  Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.”  (Exodus 18:15-23)

To learn from Moses’ response, click here